PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ri Zaadha (ranked 1244 p4p, 1366 weight class) and Serhey Rishkinov (ranked 165 p4p, 180 weight class). Zaadha's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, HonestKey- When I Wake Up. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Zaadha
vs
Rishkinov

189 cm
40
177
37 - 26 - 2

180 cm
35
169
33 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary
Honest Apparel ($15 SPECIAL + New Stock!)

Hoarse Pills
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 37 - 26 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Ri Zaadha!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 33 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Serhey Rishkinov!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rishkinov misses with a body kick.
Rishkinov connects with a body shot.
Zaadha will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Zaadha gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rishkinov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Rishkinov trying to control the position from guard on top but Zaadha is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rishkinov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Rishkinov trying to control the position from guard on top but Zaadha is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zaadha trying to control the position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rishkinov wants to control from the top but Zaadha keeps moving.
Zaadha trying to control the position.
Zaadha is pulling down on Rishkinov's head to control his posture.
Zaadha has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Zaadha takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Zaadha bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zaadha is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Rishkinov.
Zaadha moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Zaadha looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Rishkinov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Zaadha checks a leg kick.
Zaadha misses the shot to the body.
Zaadha doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Zaadha tries to bum rush Rishkinov with a series of wild strikes but Rishkinov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zaadha misses the shot to the body.
Zaadha takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rishkinov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Rishkinov throws a lazy right hand but Zaadha sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Zaadha attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Rishkinov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Rishkinov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Rishkinov explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Zaadha scoring well with a low kick there.
Nice body punch from Zaadha.
Zaadha looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov with a hook.
Rishkinov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Zaadha throws a half hearted mid kick.
The crowd cheers as Rishkinov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Zaadha doesn't seem phased though.
Rishkinov throws a front kick aimed at Zaadha's knee but Zaadha avoids it well.
Zaadha moves away from the strike by Rishkinov.
Rishkinov blocks a jab.
Rishkinov connects with a jab.
Rishkinov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Rishkinov checks a leg kick nicely.
Zaadha looks to score with a jab to the body but Rishkinov is just out of range.
Rishkinov shoots in for a takedown but Zaadha shows good takedown defense.
Rishkinov shoots for a double leg takedown but Zaadha sprawls well. He's pushed Rishkinov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zaadha. Rishkinov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zaadha slips a jab from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov slips under a jab.
Zaadha waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rishkinov.
Zaadha on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice inside leg kick there by Rishkinov. That's going to slow Zaadha down.
Zaadha slips under a jab.
Zaadha tried to counter with a leg kick but Rishkinov avoided it.
Rishkinov cracks Zaadha with a right hand to the side of the head.
A left lands for Zaadha.
Zaadha throws a head kick that misses.
Zaadha swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Rishkinov misses with a hook
and Zaadha counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Rishkinov thinking.
Zaadha avoids a kick to the body.
Rishkinov lands with a hook. Zaadha tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Rishkinov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ri Zaadha has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Serhey Rishkinov.
A slow jab from Rishkinov misses its intended target.
Serhey Rishkinov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Rishkinov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Zaadha is trying to defend but Rishkinov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Zaadha keeping hold of Rishkinov's head, controlling as best he can.
Rishkinov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Serhey Rishkinov dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Zaadha misses with a body kick.
Rishkinov defending well as Zaadha loads up on a big left hand.
Rishkinov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Zaadha doesn't seem bothered though.
Good leg kick by Zaadha.
Rishkinov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zaadha takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Zaadha looking to land some kicks to the body here.
And Rishkinov tries to counter it with a takedown but Zaadha pushes his down on his head and steps out.
No luck for Rishkinov with that takedown attempt.
Rishkinov tries to score with a low kick but Zaadha moves his leg out of the way.
Zaadha was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Zaadha throws a low kick but Rishkinov avoids it.
Zaadha tried to score with a low kick but Rishkinov checks it.
Rishkinov tries to land a body kick
and Zaadha counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rishkinov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rishkinov scores with a leg kick.
Rishkinov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

Zaadha gets a clinch.
Zaadha misses with some punches.
Rishkinov can't get the takedown.
Rishkinov takes a knee to the side of the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rishkinov digs a right hand underneath Zaadha's ribcage. Zaadha let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A right handed body shot lands from Zaadha.
Rishkinov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Zaadha to keep the fight standing.
Ri Zaadha has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Serhey Rishkinov.

Rishkinov pulls guard effortlessly.

Zaadha got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rishkinov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Zaadha has managed to get both his arms back between Rishkinov's legs - danger averted.

Zaadha avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Zaadha trying to control the position from guard on top but Rishkinov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Rishkinov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Zaadha trying to control the position from guard on top but Rishkinov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Zaadha wants to get up but he can't break Rishkinov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaadha controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Rishkinov looking to control.
Zaadha seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Rishkinov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Rishkinov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zaadha is aware though and is defending well.

Zaadha decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Rishkinov, up you get!
Rishkinov missing with a left hand there. Zaadha was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rishkinov digs a good hook to Zaadha's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov moves out of range of the strikes.
Rishkinov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Rishkinov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Zaadha looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Rishkinov tries to land a body kick
and Zaadha counters with a good low kick that Rishkinov was not able to check.
Rishkinov delivers a nice body kick.
Zaadha fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rishkinov manages to avoid it.
Rishkinov throws a leg kick but Zaadha moved away.
Rishkinov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Zaadha as he jumps to the side.
Zaadha lands with an uppercut that bounces Rishkinov off the cage and back into range.
Zaadha slips under a jab from Rishkinov.
Zaadha throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ri Zaadha is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaadha takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rishkinov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Zaadha tries to close the distance and clinch but Rishkinov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Rishkinov lands a glancing blow to the side of Zaadha's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaadha ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A cross from Rishkinov lands.
Rishkinov misses with a hook to the body
and Zaadha counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Zaadha blocks the body kick.
Horrible takedown attempt by Rishkinov or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaadha, which made it look bad.
Zaadha wants to clinch.
Rishkinov throws an overhand right that lands on Zaadha's shoulder, as Zaadha tries to avoid the shot.
Zaadha scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Zaadha doesn't manage to clinch there - Rishkinov circles away.
Nice cross by Zaadha.
Zaadha takes a jab right on the kisser.
Zaadha looks to land a left hand but Rishkinov moved out of range nicely.
Zaadha takes a swing at Rishkinov's ribcage but misses.
Zaadha swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Serhey Rishkinov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Zaadha takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Rishkinov throws a body punch but Zaadha moves out of range.
Zaadha misses with a body kick.
Zaadha fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Rishkinov.
Rishkinov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Zaadha takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Zaadha throws a leg kick but Rishkinov sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Rishkinov lands a jab to Zaadha's midsection.
Rishkinov lands the left hand.
That kick from Rishkinov tenderised Zaadha's leg. Zaadha is trying to keep his angry face on.
Rishkinov looks to throw the jab but Zaadha is out of range.
Rishkinov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Rishkinov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Zaadha's hands.
Rishkinov throws a leg kick but Zaadha sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Rishkinov throws a leg kick that misses.
Zaadha tries to counter by clinching up but Rishkinov breaks away and moves out of range.
Rishkinov shoots in looking for a takedown but Zaadha manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rishkinov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Zaadha was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rishkinov with the inside leg kick.
Zaadha ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rishkinov moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rishkinov misses with a body shot.
Rishkinov throws a shot from downtown. Zaadha moves away and avoids it.
Rishkinov moves out of range of the leg kick from Zaadha.
Rishkinov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zaadha walks into a left hand.
Rishkinov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Rishkinov throws an off balance right hand
and Zaadha counters with a straight right hand.
Zaadha drops his hands momentarily and Rishkinov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Rishkinov.
Rishkinov throws a right and a left that Zaadha avoids nicely.
Zaadha throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Rishkinov scoring well with a low kick there.
Rishkinov connects with an inside leg kick.
Zaadha is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Zaadha throws a chopping leg kick but Rishkinov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Rishkinov throws a shot from downtown. Zaadha moves away and avoids it.
Rishkinov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Zaadha counters with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Zaadha on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rishkinov. Rishkinov obviously looking to wear him down.
Rishkinov throws a push kick but Zaadha slaps the foot to one side.
Rishkinov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rishkinov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rishkinov swings for the body but Zaadha moves out of range.
Some bone on bone action there as Zaadha checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Zaadha wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Rishkinov loads up on a big right hand but Zaadha slips the punch.
A leg kick checked by Rishkinov.
Zaadha moves out of range of the body kick from Rishkinov.
Nice defenses there by Zaadha.
Rishkinov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zaadha tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rishkinov wants to counter with a clinch but Zaadha pushes him away.
Rishkinov throws a predictable looking body shot
and Zaadha counters with a good low kick that Rishkinov was not able to check.
Serhey Rishkinov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rishkinov scores with a spinning back kick!
Serhey Rishkinov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zaadha throws a series of punches but Rishkinov avoids them all with ease.
Rishkinov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zaadha swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Zaadha throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov moves out of range of the leg kick from Zaadha.
Rishkinov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Zaadha throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Rishkinov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Zaadha has time to react.
Zaadha misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov looks to score with a jab to the body but Zaadha is just out of range.
Rishkinov throws a head kick but Zaadha moves out of range.
Zaadha fails to land with a series of punches.
Rishkinov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Zaadha swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ri Zaadha has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Serhey Rishkinov.
Rishkinov misses with a right hand
and Zaadha counters with a stiff right hand.
Rishkinov throws an off balance right hand
and Zaadha counters with an inside leg kick.
Rishkinov tries to score with a low kick but Zaadha moves his leg out of the way.
Rishkinov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Zaadha scores with a decent looking hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Rishkinov misses.
A low kick lands for Zaadha.
Rishkinov fails with a takedown attempt.
Zaadha tries to counter by clinching up but Rishkinov breaks away and moves out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zaadha connects with a right hand. Rishkinov shakes it off.
Zaadha digs a good hook to Rishkinov's body.
Ri Zaadha has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rishkinov throws a push kick but Zaadha slaps the foot to one side.
Rishkinov scores with a nice body kick.
A low kick from Rishkinov misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Rishkinov lands the left hand.
Rishkinov throws a sloppy head kick and Zaadha moves out of range easily.
Zaadha swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Zaadha moves out of range of the body kick.
Rishkinov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Serhey Rishkinov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rishkinov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Serhey Rishkinov!
Serhey Rishkinov tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.